Collar and cuff folding machine.



` G.V REBGB.

COLLAR AND CUIT FOLDING MACHINE.

g APPLICIATIOHVI'ILED .TUNE 13, 1900. 972,916. Patented o@t.^1s,19.1o. 9 BHEETS-SHEET 1.

Fac/eroga# #6. eqyeeece. ,Qd/gwf A* G. REBOL.

COLLAR AND GUFI FOLDING MAUBINE.

G. REEGB.

COLLAR AND GUFI' FOLDING MAGHINE.

PBLIUATION FILED JUNE 1a, 1900.

972,916, rPatented o@t.18,191o.

9 SHEBTB-SHEBT 3.

UQR! Q) @D 3 mi) h@ O U UB. O

.wrtesse/: 5 l Iier/M l eozgeeece.

G. RBBGB. COLLAR AND CUIT FOLDING MACHINE.

L APPLICATION IILBD JUNE 13, 1900.

4 Y .z-li'.

G.' REEGE.

COLLAR AND GUFI' FOLDING MACHINE.

`APIPLIUATION FILED .TUNE 13, 1900.

9 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

Patented Oct. 18, 1919.

G. REEGB.' COLLAR AND GUET FOLDING'MAGHINE.

APPLIUATION FILED .TUNE 13, 1900.

l Patented 90h 18,1910.

9 SHEETB SHEET 6- MU n U mf m. MU

GQ REBGE.

COLLAR AND CUIT FOLDING MACHINE.

APPLIGATION FILED .TUBE 13, 1900.

l Patented Oct; 18, 1910.

. 9 SHEETS-slum r1.

I Gr. REEGE.

GOLLAR AND VGUFI' FOLDING MACHINE. nrLw'A'rIol FILED JUNE 13, 1900.

` 972,916. l Patented oen. 18,1910;

9 SHEETS-SHEET 8'.

l 16 i 2f 1615 131 J3, f if ff Jf JL fr!! L jj* .f

G. REEGE.

COLLAR AND GUPF FOLDING MACHINE. APrLIoATIoN HLBD JUNE 1s, 1900.

972,916. Patented 001118,1910.

9 SHEETS-SHEET 9.

- Fig. 3.

UNITED sTATEs PATENT oEEioE.

GEORGE REECE, 0F WOLLASTON, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR TO IB'EECE FOLDING MACHINE COMPANY, OF PORTLAND, MAINE, AND BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Oct. 18, 1910.

Application led June 13, 1900. Serial No. 20,125.

To all 'whom 'it may concern:

Be it known that I, GEORGE REECE, a citizen of the United States, residin at Wollaston, county of Norfolk, State 0 Massachusetts, have invented an Improvement in-Collar and VCnil' Folding Machines, of which the following descri tion, in connection with the accompanying rawings, is a specification, like letters on the drawings representing like parts. i y

My invention is an improved mechanism for folding collars and cuffs and the like.

The details of construction, various points of novelty, and mode of operation of my invention will be pointed out inthe course of the following description, reference being had to the Vaccompanying drawings, in which I have killustrated a preferred form of mechanism.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a front elevation of my machine. Fig. 2 is a rear elevation thereof. Fig. 3 is a top plan View thereof,- parts being in section-to show the construction to better advantage. Fig. 4 is a right hand end elevation. tical cross section taken on the line 5 5, Fig. 6 is an enlarged detail, in top plan, of the folding blades. Fig. 7 is a bottom plan View of the back folding blade. Fig. 8 is a front elevation thereof. Fi 9 is a bottom plan View of the front fol in blade. Fig. 10 is a rear elevation thereo Fig. 11 is a horizontal section showing the holder or die andthe operative mechanism in top plan. Fig.`12 is a longitudinal vertical section thereof, taken on the line 12-12, Fig. 11. Fig. 13 is an enlarged vertical cross section, taken on the line'3-3, Fig. 3. Figs. 14, 15, 16 and 17 are views in plan and perspective, showing details of the folds made by my machine. Figs. 18 to 24:

Ashow in side elevation certain details of cams and gears.

According to the present embodiment of my invention I employ a pivotedcrosshead for carrying the former or die, which at proper' times is caused to swing said die down or up as desired, the die being collapsible endwise and operated preferably by a cam carried on the rock shaft which swings the die, and the folding operations are performed by folding one edge and the adjacent ends atone operation, and the other edge at another operation. It Ewill be understood, however, that various fea- Fig. 5 is a ver# tures of my machine are adapt-able to a dif- Y `ferent order of operation and to'folding other forms of blanks, the machine as herein shown being made for folding collar bands.

In order that the machine and its operations may be fully understood it will be necessary for me to explain many details which are not specifically new.

In a suitable frame A I mount a drive shaft a provided at its outer end with a worm wheel a', driven by a worm a2, on'a shaft a3, provided with fast and loose beltpulleys a4, a5. The shaft a at its left hand end, Fig. 1, has ,a cam or double cam 7J, whose cam projections are engaged on opposite sides of the machine by rolls Z2', b2, carried b the'free ends of arms b3, b4, of rock sha ts b5, whose upwardly projecting arms b, b", serve to move inwardly the front and rear edge folders c, c. Said folders are respectively moved outwardly by a spring d secured at ai on ahub d2 and bearing against the roll b', and by a cam e engaging a roll e of an arm e2 xed on the rear rock shaft b5. 'The folding blades are connected to the actuating arms be, 67, by any kind of loose connection, being herein shownsprings or other mechanism e2,

'folding blades in ears 08 so as to permit the said blades to move freely in and out toward the blank being folded, while at the same time preventing any endwise inaccurac or shifting movement of the blades. The olding blades are brought down rmly for folding and creasing operations at proper times by means of rods c pivotally connected adjacent the front portions of the folding blades and adjustably mounted at their lower ends in arms 019 Secured on rock shafts cl2 actuated by the engagement of cams 013,

o, with rolls cs at the free ends of arms c1", c", fast on said rock shafts cl2.

The former or die f is carried in the free end of supporting arms f freely pivoted on a shaft or axle f2 and caused to rise and fall i -shaft f.

' the parts t into the by an arm f connected by a. link f* to an mesh with a gear g2 on the drive shaft andv serving to transmit motion to a second gear gs on the shaft f2. Adjacent this second gear and fast on said shaft is a face cam g",

see Fig. 19, in whose cam pathtravels a' roll g projecting from an arm g", whose rear end is bifurcated, as clearly shown in Fig. 4, to straddle and be guided by the This latter mechanism serves to `o erate the collapsible die, the details of w ich are shown 1n Figs. 11 and 12, where it will be seen that the die carrier frame or free end of the arms f comprise depending ears or pieces f13 constituting hangers and cro pieces f, between which are secured cam lates f, f1", provided with oppositively disposed V-shaped cam slots f".

. f, and the ends of the frame at the depend mg arts f loosely lreceive slide bars f rigi y secured in and serving'to support the die carrier f" or means for shiftin the die with a compound movement resulting from having this part f2 shiftable in one direction, in which direction, at the same time, ittends to move the die, the latter being however, deflected obliquely by the slots T, f which contain studs j `connecte `with the die. The die carrier f2 has -a T-,shaped recess on its under side, see 5, in which is mounted a T-shaped upper end )'21 of the die back f, to the lower e ge of which is secured the die proper. The die backs have studs f `operating in the cam grooves f1?, fm, and the die carrier f2 is fastened by set screws f2* to thefree end f" of the beforementioned shifting arm g, the result being that when said arm is moved forward by its cam gthe two parts or sections of the die are first se arated until sition s own in full lines 1n i 11,` an a further forward movement t en causes them to contract, the same movement being repeated on the reverse or backward operation. This compound movement is due to the fact that as the die shifter, or slide plate or member f is shifted forward when the arm g is actuated, it in turn coperates with the oblique cam slots or surfaces f", f1 to shift or ca the die sections. laterally of said for-wa movement.

Ref again to the folding blades, and

more particularly to Figs. 6 to 10 which Show enlarged details thereof, it will be seenv edge fold, as herein shown'- being actuated bv forward movement of the edge folding blade.

Viewing Fig. 3 it will be seen that I provide a fixedbraeket 018 having at its free end adiagonal groove 019, in which operates a roll 02 projecting from a bell crank C21 pivoted at 022 and having its opposite bifurcated arm o23 operating on a stud c2* project-l ing through a slot c2. in theA folder carrier from a. plate c2 movable diagonally along the underside of said carrier, see Fig. 7. The front edge of the plate c2 bears against a stop c27 of an end folding blade or wiper c25. pivoted at c2 on the rear folding blade and normally retracted by alspring c3". The result is that as the rear folding blade is moved forward `tl1e bell crank c21 simultaneously swings inwardly the pivoted wiper cfs, .thereby Slmultaneously folding the rear edge a. and the end fold m', thereby effectually avoiding any possibility of ragged or protruding edges.

Viewing Fig. 9 it will be seen that the front blade c 1s adjustable relatively to its carrier plate 031 by reason of the transverse slots c and the longitudinal. slots C33 in lwhich operate screw studs extending from the said carrier plate and plates 026x respectively, taken inv connection with oblique slots c34 in which operate set screws 035 extending up from the lates 02", this construction making it posslble to get the most ,accurate and delicate adjustment, it being understood that extreme accuracy is required for this kind of folding.

As the thicknesses of material vary for different ades and kinds of collars and other blan s I rovide an accurately adjustable stop c3?, a justed by a thumb screw c, see Fig. 13, thereby making it possible to raise or lower the rear portion or rearwardly extending portion of the folder, thereby varying/ the angle of the folding edge of the blade relatively to the bed or blank receiving means, to adjust the folder into proper position quickly so as to bring the folding blade in absolute parallelism with the material and make it possible to secure the best folding operation and creasing effect.

The worm wheel driving construction ren` ders it impossible that. any of the parts should slip or move accidentally forward or backward by mere momentum of parts, and this construction conduces materially to the accuracy with which the blanks are handled.

This feature of my invention resides not inproviding aworm and worm wheel in connection with the machine, but inproviding a lock or positive check (Said Worm and worm wheel being preferably used for this purpose) against any downward movement of the former, cross-head, and carrier arm due to the momentum of said parts. It is necessary in my machine that the downwardly moving parts should move with relative slowness in order to permit other movements to take place meanwhile without interference therewith, and yet it is necessary that the whole machine should work as rapidly as possible, and that no tendency to backward movement of the folding blade mechanism should take place when said blades are in or near folding position; and I secure the' desired object by locating the worm andworm, wheel in such position that .the thrust of the teeth of the Worm wheel,

coming transversely of t-he teeth of the worm in line with the length of the latter, makes itimpossib'le for any improper movement of the actuated part-s.

' A blank is put in Aposition by the operator with its rear edges resting against the guide h, it being understood' that 1f necessary the blades are 'adjustedas required in 'order to conform with the utmost nicety lto the precise size of band which it is desired lto fold. The blank havingbeen put in position, the machine is started, and the cam fs operating through the bell crank f5, f', and connecting link f4 and arm f3, lowers the .cross-head on top of the blank, in'which position itI is firmly pinched by the engagementV of the roll f1 with the cam fw, while the cam b engages the-arm b4 andmoves inwardly the spring elevated folding blade c so that the latter as it moves forward first lifts up the projecting edge of the' blank and then folds it over on top of the die, whereupon the arm g is moved forward by the path' cam g, being first slightly relieved of pressure by the 'caln i12. At the same time that the die is `moved forward it is also contracted in length by the cam slots f, so that it may be drawn deftly out from the edge and end I -foldsjust made. As soon as the die is' out from` under the folds the `camk c immediately brings ya severe creasing pressure upon the said blades. The die is restored to proper position over the blank and again vpinched thereon by the cams y* and f, and the front folding blade-is then moved for- Y ward by the engagement of the cam b with Athe roll D. As s'oon'a-s the front fold is made the die is moved back from beneath' said fold, 4and the latter is immediately creased by the action of the cam cl3.- It will` be understood that in making the comple- I mentary blanks the order of folding is reversed in order that the complementary or top and bottom folded parts which together as illustrated in Fig. 15, and the other part or blank or set of blanks being folded as band being folded, as already described and indicated in Fig. 14, where the front edge fold is made first and the rear edge and end folds are made last.

I have above referred to the folding blades as being maintained under a normal tendency to rise and have described the rising of the infolder as preceding its forward or inward movement, this action serving to first lift up the projecting blank edge and then fold it over the top of the die. It should be explained that this result is materially assisted by a detail of construction shown foreXample in Figs. 3 and 13. c and care infolders which move inwardly and outwardly in contact with the upper surface of the bed of the machine. It will be noted, however, that I have not permitted the blank and dieto rest directly upon the main surface of the bed plate but on the contrary have provided a slightly elevated surface in the form of a pad. Normally the infolders lie in a lowered position and out which the die may take. Thus, as seen in Fig. 13, the upper surface of the infolder is flush with the upper surface of the pad and in this way I have accomplished the desired result. Whenthe blank 1s positioned upon the pad, its edges project beyond the pad and over the spaces into which the infolders have dropped from the preceding action. This feature of a raisedA pad is extremely 'valuable' in coperaton with the species of die hereinabove described, because it permits the free and untrammeled horizontal movement of the die in any desired direction, thus adding facility to the operation of the machine and obviating risk of damage either to the machine parts or to the blank, which. might otherwise occur.

For the purposes' of claim 16 and the series of clalms beginning therewith, it may be explained that when the carrier moves reversely or to-and-fro on the frame of the crosshead, it carries the die sections or plates and at the same time `causes the latter to move relatively to the carrier or at an angle to the carriers movements. And when the die enlarges or diminishes the sections must 'of course move relatively to each other, in

this instance toward and from each other. Also the said die section movements are cfof the way of any horizontal movements fected from the frame, by which I mean 'A there are connections between the frame and sections, which connections effect the section movements, and they do it by reason of the carrier movements. vThese connections include a die section controlling device mounted'on the frame, such for example, as the inc1ined @am or Slot f, Fig. 11, and its action is such that when the carrier shifts, the controlling device controls the die sections, automatically causing them to move orbe moved relatively to the carrier. When I say al part -moves on another part, e. g.,

the die section moves on the carrier, or the carrier moves on the frame, I mean 1t moves relatively to but 1n contact or en agement Vwith the second part, which thus orms the. foundation or basefor the first operation.

part of its For the purposes of claims 1, 2 and certain A others it may be stated thatirrespective of 'that the ends and especiallythe corners of such blanks are the critical portions; and,

this being the case, t-he mere len lhwise contraction assists disengaging the. olded blank and die whether the lbalance of the disengagement be accomplished by side shifting of carrier or otherwise. I have purposely arranged all the die sections in one plane,

and they all occupy a single plane at all times whether expanded, contracted or moving. No sec-tion has to move out of the die`s plane. The above features are important as enabling the -machine to be adapted to long blanks which are quite narrow, and which formerly gave considerable trouble. Dii'erentways have been devised for moving one or more of the sectionsa substantial distance out of the plane of theuothers, and all t-hese i with4 their objections I have obviated. I

have found thatv it isnot necessary to have the adjacent section Vedges of two sections immedlately abutting'against each other in the expanded die; for example I have shown an overlap' in Fig. 12 which may be maintained in all die positions. 'I his affords the important function of keeping all the die sections always in a single plane. Not only is it important in this aspect of my invention to maintain the sectlons in one plane, but v`also to maintain them in endwise alinement, and this is a characteristic of the machine illustrated, nodie section having any lateral or sidewise movement relatively to any other section, and in fact all the sections are fixed against any sidewise movement with relation to the carrier beneath which they are all' fitted, making the die as a whole vertical movement of any plate relatively to the others and carrier, but only lengthwise movement. And this feature, moreover, renders the die peculiarly capable of cooperation with both blank end edges and at least one of the blank, wherein infolders that fold at once lon side ed s es ciall withl a narrow g geI hai obviated need of contraction in all directions. It as well obviatesthe need of die mechanism in which more than rone operative shortening movement is used to assist in the disengagement of blank and die, which would not be the case where the two ends are folded in successive operations, between which the die is extracted and replaced." The infolders of the machine of these claims are of the kind A which when folding move inwardly substantially in the same plane with the die when in folding position, rather than at Such an elevation as merely to bend without forming 30 a sharp fold in the fabric. It is obvious that I'use'the word carrier in these claims as merely referring to a member that carries the die sections up and down or from and toward -the bed.V

Having described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by LettersPatent is i 1. In a. machine for infolding both end edges and at least one of the long side edges of blanks that are long in shape as compared with their width, the combination of: a support for supporting the blanks to be infolded; a. plura ity of moving infolders having edges corresponding to the several blank edges to be infolded; a side shiftin die carrier movable toward and from sai support; a .blank defining die carried b said carrier; said die being of fixed widt and divided into a plurality of sections, at least one of which sections is movable endwise; all said sections being lconnected to said carrier to at all times whether moving or at rest have their dening portion in a.

single plane; a section actuatin mechanism,

said mechanism having connections for shifting said carrier sidewise and simultaneously causing the endwise movement of at least one of said sections whereby it may lengthen i the die to outward blank-defining position and shorten it to an inward ositlon to assist disengagement of the fol ed blank and die, and a single operative movement of said actuating mechanism serving to change the die from blank-defining position to completely shortened position; and mechanism for moving the infolders inwardly 1n substantially the same plane as the die when in folding position, so that said infolders may infold both of the end edges and 'at least 120 one ofthe long side ed es or the blank y.while 'the die rests stationari y over the blank. of a fixed width. Thus greatest simplicity 6o' is secured, there being neither lateral or 2.- In a machine for infolding both end edges and at least one of the long side edges of blanks that are long in shape as compared with theirwidth, the combination of; a support for sup ortinthe blanks to be infolded; a plura ity o moving mfolders having edges corresponding to the several blank edges to be infomed; n Side shifting 13o y of the long side edges o die carrier movable toward and from said support; a blank defining die carried by said carrier; said die being of fixed width and divided into a plurality of sections, both end sections of which are movable endwise; all said sections being connected to said carrier to at all times whether moving or at rest have their defining portions in a single plane; a section actuating mechanism, said mechanism having connections for shifting said carrier sidewise and simultaneously causing the endwise movements of both of said end sections whereby it may lengthen the die to outward blank-defining position, and shorten it to an inward position ,to assist disengagement of the folded blank and die, and a single operative movement of said actuating mechanism serving to change the die from blank-defining position to completely shortened position;` and mechanism for moving the infolders inwardly in substantially the same plane as the die when in folding position, so that said infolders may infold both ofthe end edges and at least one of the long side edges of the blaik, while the die rests stationarily over the blank.

3. Ina machine for infoldiiig both end edges and at least one of the long side edges of blanks that are long in shape as compared with their width, the combination of a support for supporting the blanks to be infolded; a plurality of moving infolders havin edges correspondin to the several blan edges to be` viiifol ed; a member having movements toward and from said support; a blank defining die carried by said member, saiddie bein of fixed width and divided into a plurality of sections, at least one of.

which sections is movable endwise; all said sectionsv being connected to said member to at all times whether moving or at rest have their defining portions in a single plane; a section. actuating mechanism, said mecha-iiism having connections for causin the endwise movements of at least one o said sec-A tions whereby it may lengthen the die to outward blank-deuing position, and shortenit to an inward osition to assist disengagement of the foled blank and die, and a single operative movement of said actuating mechanism serving to change the die from blank-defining position to completely shortened position; mechanism for moving the infolders inwardly in substantially the same plane as the die when in folding position, so that said infolders may infold both of the end edges and at least one over the die edges, while the die rests stationarily .over the blank; and a power shaft or part havin mechanical connections extending to an for causing the said die-carrying member movements, for operating f said section actuating mechanism, and for operating said mfolder mechamsm.`

the blank closely 4. In a high speed power operated folding 'machine comprising folding mechanism and a die with which is comprised working mechanism for changing the positionbf die parts, the combination with said die, die parts and working mechanism, of a swinging die-positioning arm, at the outer end of which are carried'said die, die parts and working mechanism, a shaft about which said arm swings, intermittently and in opposite directions, a worm wheel from which the movements of said arm are effected, and a fast running shaft adapted to be connected up with power mechanism, and provided with a worm enga 'ng said worm wheel, all combined substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

v5. In aV machine for folding collars and the like, means for receiving a blank to be folded, vfolding mechanism, including. a folder and means for yieldingly-maintaining said folder normally in a position away from said receiving means, mechanism for shifting said folder'laterally for infolding a blank, and a pinching device for pressing the said folder against a fold.

6. In a machine for folding collar.s and the like, folding mechanism, including a folder, end supports therefor freely movable up and down, said folder being slidingly supported in said end supports, and means for actuating said folder in combination wit-h a lraised pad above the level of which the folders may be raised in sequence.

7. In a machine for folding collars and the like, folding mechanism, including a folder, end supports therefor` freely movable'np and down, said folder being slidingly s upportedin said end supports, means loosely engaging said folder for shifting the same to infold a blank, and means'for bringing pressure upon the folding edge of said folder.

8. In a machine for foldingr collar.s and the like, folding mechanism, including a folder, means for raising said folder and shifting the same inward y to make a fold, means for bringing pressure upon the folding edge of said folder, and means at the said first mentioned folder for engaging and means operable by the movement of said first mentioned folder for actuating said pivoted folder for making a fold s imultaneously with the fold made `by sald rst mentioned folder.

11. In a machine for fol `collars and .the like, a folder comprising a olding blade, a carrier therefor, and an adjustiig plate for adjusting said blade, said a justin plate being movable diagonally, and sai blade being movable straight in, whereby extreme accuracy of adjustment may be secured without liability of the parts slipping in said adjustment.

12. In a machine for folding collars and the like, means for receivin a blank to be folded, means for holding said blank, means for folding the same, an operating mecha.- nism for said parts, said mechanism including a drive shaft, a gear wheel carried thereshaft for moving sa-id folding mechanism in vone direction, a shaft adjacent thereto and carrying a gear in mesh with said first mentioned gear, and means for causing other lmovements of said foldingmechanism, and a third shaft geared to said second shaft and carrying mechanism for operating said holding means.

13. In a machine for folding collar blanks and the like, the combination of a support for supporting the blanks to be `folded, acrossliead frame movable toward and from said support, a carrier reversely movable on said frame, means for causing carrier move- `ments relatively to the frame, a die section movable on said carrier at an angle to said carrier movements, and connections between the frame and die section for effecting said die section movements from the frame and by the carrier movements.

14. In a machine for folding collar blanks and the like, the combination'of a support for supporting the blanks to be folded, a crosshead frame movable toward and from said support, a carrier reversely movable on said frame, means for causlng carrier movements' relatlvely to the fra-me, a die sectlon movable on said carrier at an angle to said carrier movement, and connections between l the frame and die section for effecting said ydie section movements from the frame and by the carrier movements; together with power mechanism and connections therefrom for actuating the crosshead frame and the carrier moving means in vharmony with each other. l

15. In a machine for folding collar blanks and the like, the combination of a sup ort for supporting the blanks -to be fold a" crosshead frame movable toward and ,from said support, -a carrier reversely movable on said frame, means for causing carrier movements relatively to the frame, aM plurality of die sections movable on said carrier rela- .16. In a machine for folding collar blanks and the like, the combination of a support for supporting the blanks, to be folded, a vcrosshead frame movable toward and from `said support, a carrier reversely movablel on said frame, means for causing carrier movements relatively to the frame, one or more die sect-ions, each die section movable -on said carrier at an angle to-said carrier movements, a section controlling device mounted onz the frame, and connections between said device andpdie section-for controlling said die section movements from the frame when effected by the carrier move- .menta by, and means also carried by said drive 17. In a machine for folding collar blanks and the like, the combination of a support for supporting the blanksto be folded, a crosshead frame movable toward and from said support, a. carrier reversely movable on said frame, means for causing carrier movements relatively .to the frame, one lor more die sections, each section movable on said carrier at an angle to said carrier movements, a part Yhaving a grinding portionoblique to the direction of the carrier movements, and a part thereon, one of said parts being fixed upon the frame and the other part connected to said die section, whereby when the section is actuated from said carrier it is controlled from the frame to move relatively to the carrier.

minished, and a single actuating part which is provided with mechanical connections to the carrier and section by which connections it simultaneously effects the horizontal 'carrier shifting movements and the horizontal section movements, resulting in section movements diagonal to the longitudinal axis of the die. T A

f 19. In a machinefor folding collar blanks and the like, the combination of asupport for supporting the blanks to be folded, folding mechanism, a crohead frame movable t0- ward and from said support, a carrier-horizontally shiftable to and fro on said frame,

a die, said die com rising sections horiayon-- tally movable relatlvely to said carrier and on guides or ways in said carrier, .whereby the die as a .whole may be enlarged and dition transverse to the direction of movement of said carrier, and said die being provided with intermediate connections by which it is 'governed in its movements by said cam surfaces, andmeans for shifting .7'0 said die carrier and thereby giving a com-` pound movementto said die.

23, In a folding machine, a templet comprising blank defining plates, a crosshead, mechanism carried by the crosshead for ef- 7'5 fecting movements of said plates, a bar as gforvactuating said mechanism, said bar movable lengthwise toward and from said crosshead, and a cam turning-on. the same axis as said swinging arms, with cam con- 80 nections for longitudinally moving said bar whereby the movements of said plates may be power controlled without 4respect to th swinging movement.

24. In a folding machine, a templet com- 85 prising blank defining plates, a crosshead, mechanism carried by the crosshead for ef- 1- feet-ing movements of said plates, a. banasfgs for actuating said mechanism, saidfbaraa, movabie lengthwise toward and from said 90 crosshead, and having a yoke at its far end, and a cam turning on the same axis as said swinging arms, with cam connections for longitudinally moving said bar, whereby the movements of said plates may be power con- .9'5' trolled without respect to the swinging movement.`

25. In a folding machine, a templet comprising` a crosshead swingingly mounted, a barslidingly fitted in said crosshead, teln- 100 plet plates with connection for transmitting movement om said bar, and means located substantially at the axis of swinging of said crosshead for sliding said bar.

26. A vfolding machine comprising a 105 crosshead fitted to swingabout a given axis, a bar as g slid-ingly fitted to said crosshead and extendingtoward said axis, connections on said crosshead .whereby the sliding of said bar may atuate the templet, and means 1'1" located substantially at the axis of swinging ofv said crosshead acting on the end of said bar' nearest said axis for reciprocating said bar;

27. In a machine for folding collars and 115 the like, a; die, a pivotal supportV thereforl for swinging the same u and down, means cooperating with said die for retaining a blank to be folded, folding mechanism for infolding edges of said blank, said die. being com- 120 minished, and a single actuating part, as g,

having fittings which movably fit it to vthe crosshead, and said actuating part provided4 with mechanical connections Ato the carrier 5 and section by which connections it simultaneously effects the horizontal carrier shifting movements and the horizontal section movements, resulting in section movements .diagonal to the longitudinal axis of the die.

20, In a machine for folding collar blanks Iand the like, the combination of a support for supporting the blanks to be folded, folding mechanism, a crosshead frame movable toward and from said support, power mechanism for actuating said folding mechanism and said frame in harmony, a carrier horizontally shiftable to and fro on said frame, die sections horizontally movable on guides or ways in said carrier, whereby the dievas a whole may be enlarged and dimin ished, a single actuating part as g8 whichl partakes of the crosshead movements yet is movable with respect to the crosshead and is operated by connections from said power mechanism, a controlling device, as f, on said fra-me, and connections from said actuating part and from said controlling Adevice extending to, and for coperatively effecting and controlling the movements of said carrier and said sections, to produce section movements diagonal to the longitudinal axis y of the die.

21. In a machine for folding collar blanks and the like, the combination of a support for supporting `the blanks to be folded, folding mechanism, a crosshead frame movable toward and from said support, power mechanism for actuating said folding mechanism and said frame in harmony, a carrier horizontally shiftable to and fro on said frame, die sections horizontally movable on 'guides or ways in said carrier, whereby the die as a .whole may be enlarged and diminished, a single actuating part as g which partakes of the crosshead movements and is movable with Irespectto the crosshead and is operated from said power mechanism through a connection which re- 50 mains connected in all positions of the crossy head, a controlling device, as f, on said frame,'and connections from said actuating part' and from said controlling device extending to. said carrier and sections for conjointly -effecting the movements thereof and thereby controlling the resultant movements of said sections. i

22. In a machine for folding collars and the like, crosshead mechanism,l comprising a supporting frame having cam surfaces stationary relative to the supporting frame Awith relation to which the d1e moves, a die formed with sections, a die carrier, guides for said die carrier permitting the same to move back and forth, the said die connected with said carrier for movement in a. direcposed of a plurality Aof parts expansible and contractible, a bar extending rearward from the die toward the axis of\s aid swinging y movement and fitted for forward and rearward reciprocation relatively to said pivotal support, connections between the forward end of said bar and said parts wherebyjsaid reciprocati'on may effect the expansion and contraction of sa.idvparts,and a means located near said axis of swinging movement. 13g

coperating withtthe rear end of said bar for causing such reciprocation.

28. In a machine for folding collars and the like, a die, a pivotal support therefor for swinging the same up and down. means cooperating with said die for retaining a blank to be folded. folding mechanism for infolding edges of said blank. said die comprising I fold defining plates atleast one of which is rocation.

29. In a machine for folding collarsand the like, a die, a pivotal support therefor fr swinging the same u and down, means cooperating with said die for retaining a. blank to be folded. folding mechanism for infolding edges of said blank. said die comprising fold deiining plates at least one of which is horizontally movable relativelyY to said blank retaining means, a bar extending rearward from the die toward theaxis of said swinging movement and fitted for vforward and rearward reciprocation relatively to said pivotal support. and connections at the forward end of said bar whereby said reciprocation may etl'ect the movements of said plate or plates.

30. In a machine for-folding collars and the like, a die, a pivotal supporting arm therefor for swinging the same. up and down;` means eoiperating with said die for retaining a blank to be folded, folding mechanism for infolding edges of saidblank, said die comprising a body portion and fold defining plates at least one of which is movable .relatively to said body portion, a bar extending rearward from the die toward the axis of said swinging movement and tted for forward and rearward reciprocation relatively to said supporting arm, connections at the forward end of saidbar whereby said reciprocation may effect the movements of A said plates, and connections near said axis of swinging copera-ting with the rear end of said bar for causing such reciprocation.

31. In a machine for folding blanks for collars and the like, the combination of a means for retaining the blanks to be folded, a swinging die having a body portion and a fold delining plate movable relatively' to said body, 'and two arms extending from the templetrearward toward its axis of swinging. one arm secured to the templet body and fitted at its rear end to receive swinging movement, and the second arm connected at its front end for operation of said movable plate and having connections at its rear end for causing relative 'forward-and-backward movements as between said two arms whereby said second arm may operate said plate.

32. In a machine for folding blanks for collars and the like, the combination of a means for retainingthe blanks to be folded, a swinging die having a body portion and a fold defining plate movable relativelyy to said body, and two arms extending from the templet rearward toward its axis of swinging, one arm secured tothe templet body and fitted `at its rear end to receive swinging movements, and the second arm connected at its4 front end for operation of said movable plate and having an automatically actuated device at its rea-r end for causing-,relative forward-and-backward movement as 'between'said two arms ywhereby said second arm may operate said plate.

33. In a machine for folding collar lblanks l i relativelyv to said frame in two opposite directions from middle position, a sectional die supported on said carrier and so fitted thereto as to have at least one of its sections movable inwardlyv and outwardly relatively to said carrier along a line of direction at an angle to the line of direction of said car'- rier movement, means for causing said carrier. movements, and means coperating with said carrier moving means for simultaneously causing said inward movements of the die section upon the -movement of said carrier in either direction from middle position. v

34. In a machine for folding collar blanks and the. like, a support for the blanks to be folded. a crosshead frame, means for lowering and raising said frame, a carrier having a middle folding posit-ion and movable relatively to said frame in two opposite directions from middle position, a sectional die supported on said carrier and so fitted thereto as to have at least one of its sections movvable inwardly and outwardly relatively to said carrier along a line of direction at an angle to the line of direction of said carrier;

movement, means for causing said carrier movements, and a double-actmg automatic means coperating with said carrier moving means for simultaneously causing sald 1n` ward movements of the die section upon the movement of sa-id carrier in either direction from middle position;

35,. In a machinefor folding collar blanks and the like, a support `for the blanks to be folded, a. crosshead frame, means for lowering and raising said frame, a carrier having a middle folding, position and movable relatively vto said frame in two opposite directions from middleA position, a sectional die supported on said carrier and so litted thereto as to have at least one of its sections movable inwardly and outwardly relatively to said carrier along a line of direction at an angle to the line of direction of said carrier movement, means for causing said carrier movements, and a device including a two-part cam and engaging pin, one on said die the other on said frame, for simultaneously causing said inward movements of the Vdie section upon the movement of said I carrier in either direction from middle position.

36. In a machine for folding collar blanks and the like, a support for the blanks to be folded, a crosshead frame, means for lowering and raising said frame, a carrier hav.- ing a middle folding position and movable relatively to said frame in two opposite directions from middle position, a sectional die supported on said carrier and so tted thereto as to have a plurality of its sections movable inwardly and outwardly relatively to said carrier along a line vof direction at an angle to the line of direction of said carrier movement but in opposite directions, means for causing said carrier movements, and means coperating with said carrier moving means for simultaneously causing' inward movements of both the die sections upon the movement of said carrier in either way from middle position.

37. In a machin for folding collar blanks and the like, a support for the blanks to be. folded, a crosshead frame, means for lowering and raising said frame, a carrier having a middle folding position and movable relatively to said frame in two opposite directions from middle position, a sectional die supported on said carrier and so fitted thereto as to have a plurality of its sections movable inwardly and outwardly relatively to said carrier along a line of direction at an angle to the line of direction of said carrier movement but in opposite directions, means for causing said carrier movements, and a double-acting automatic device coperating vwith said carrier moving means for simultaneously causing inward movements of both the die sections upon the movement of said carrier in either way from middle position.

38. In a machine for folding collar blanksr and the like, a support for the blanks to be folded, a crosshead frame, means for lowering and raising said frame/a carrier having a middle folding position and movable relatively to said frame in two opposite directions from middle position, a sectional die supported on said carrier and so fitted thereto as to have a plurality of its sections movable inwardly and outwardly relatively to said carrier along a line .of direction at an angle to the line of vdirection of sald carrier movement but in opposite directions, means for causing saidcarrier movements, and a device including a two-part cam and a member engaging the same, one upon said ydie the other on said frame, coperating with said lcarrier moving means for simultaneously causing inward movements of both the die sections upon the movementlof said carrier in either way from middle position.

39. In a folding machine a blank support, a crosshead, means fol lowering and raising said crosshead, a sectional die supported beneath said crosshead and litted to be as a whole movable to and fro relatively to said -crosshead along a given line of direction, means for moving said die relatively to said crosshead, and an automatically acting device on said crosshead for causing the -movements of the die sections relatively toward each other upon the dies bodily movement in either direction from a middle position whereby the actual die section movements` are along resultant diagonal lines.

40. In a folding machine a blank support, a crosshead, means for lowering and raising said crosshead, a sectional die supported beneath said crosshead and fitted to be as a whole movable to and fro relatively toQsaid crosshead along a given line o f direction, means for moving said die relatively to said crosshead, and an automatically acting device including a fixed double oblique cam and a member engaging it, one on saidv die the other on said crosshead for causing the movements ofthe die sections relatively toward each other upon the dies bodily movement in either direction from a middle position whereby the actual die section movements are along resultant diagonal lines.

41. In a folding machine a blank support, a crosshead, means for lowering 'and raising said crosshead, a sectionaldie supported beneath said crosshead and fitted to be as a whole movable to and fro relatively to said crosshead along a given' line of direction,

means for moving said die relatively to said crosshead, and an automatically acting device for each die section, including a V- shaped cam von said crosshead for causing the movementsof the die sections relatively toward each other upon the dies bodily movementin either direction from a middle position whereby the actual die section movements are along resultant diagonal lines,

42. In a machine for folding'collar blanks and like articles, the combination of a support having a supporting surface for the blanks, a die movable toward and from said support, said die constructed substantially integral in its width and having a position and movable horizontally therefrom laterally in either direction, guiding means for guiding the die in its horizontal lateral movements `in both directions, mechanism for shifting the die toward one side for extracting it from part of the folded edges, for replacing it in median position and for moving it laterally toward the other side for eX- tractingit from other folded edges, a pluralityof infolders, and mechanism for moving such infolders inwardly and outwardly dissimultaneously in harmony with` the die movements, said infolders adapted to belowered below said supporting surface when inoperative.

43. vIn a machine for folding collar blanks and like articles, the combination of a support for supporting the blanks, a die movable toward and from said support, said die constructed substantially integral in its width and having a. median position and movable horizontally therefrom laterally in either direction, lnechanism for shifting the die toward one side for extracting it from part of thef'folded edges, for replacing it in median position and for moving it laterally toward the other'side for extracting it from other folded edges, a plurality of infolders, and mechanism for moving such infolders inwardly and outwardly dissimultaneously in harmony with the die movements, said infolders adapted to be lowered out of the way of the die when inoperative; and said blanksupport being in the form of a raised pad affording room for lowering the infolders when in outward position.

44. In av machine for folding collar blanksv and like articles, thecombination of a support having a supporting surface for the blanks, a die movable toward and. from said support, said die constructed substantially integral in its width, and being movable horizontally when in lowered position, mechanism for moving the die horizontally for disengaging it from a part ofthe blank, a plurality of infolders and mechanism for .moving such infolders inwardly and outwardly for 'folding edge portions of the blanks over edge portions of the die and for moving such infolders downwardly below said supporting surface when in outward position.

45. In a machine for infolding blanks having a long narrow shape, the. combination of a horizontal support for supporting the blanks, a die movable toward and from said support and having horizontal bodily shift-- ing movements when in lowered position, guiding means for guiding the die in said horizontal shifting movements, a plurality of infolders, mechanism for operating said infolders to dissimultaneously produce folds on said blank, for on one operation of said mechanism infolding a-blank-edge portion including a. long side edge and both ends, and upon another operation thereof the i'emainder, and means for horizontally shifting the die in harmony with said infolders so that it may be horizontally extracted from the folds first formed and replaced thereover for the folding of the remaining edges.

46. In a machine for infolding blanks having a long narrow shape, the combination of a horizontal support for supporting t-he blanks, a die `movable toward and from said support and having horizont-al bodily shifting movements when in -lowered posi" tion, guiding means for guiding the die in said horizontal shifting movements, mechanism for causingfsaid die to shorten simultaneously with its shifting, a plurality of infolders, mechanism for operating said infolders to dissimultaneously produce folds on. said blank, 4for on one operation of said mechanism infolding a blank edge portion includingV a long side edge and both ends, and upon another operation thereof the remainder. and means for horizontallyv shifting the die in harmony with said infolders so that it 'may be horizontally extracted from tlie folds first formed and replaced thereover for the folding of the remaining edges. I

47. In ay machine for infolding blanks having a long narrow shape, the combination of a horizontal support for supporting the blanks, a die movable toward and from said supportl and having horizontal bodily shifting movements when in lowered position, mechanism for causing said die to shorten simultaneously with its shifting, a plurality of infolders, mechanism for operating said infolders to dissimultaneously produce folds on said blank, for on one operation of said mechanism infolding a blank edge portion including a long side edge and both ends, and upon another operation thereof'the remainder, means for horizontally shift-ing the die in harmony with said infolders so that it may be horizontally extracted from the folds first formed and replaced thereover for the folding of the remaining edges; and means for'lowering the infolders below and 4out of the path of movement of the die when inoperative.

48. In 'a machine for folding collar blanks and the like, a support for the blanks to be folded, a die carrier having means for lowering it toward said support and raising it, mechanism for shiftin said carrier in either of two directions horizontally from a normal or folding position, -a plurality of die sections carried on said carrier and so fitted thereto as to move toward and. from each.

whereby whenever the die shifts away froml a side of the blank its sections always draw away from bot-h ends thereof.

49. In a machine for folding collar blanks and the like, a support for the blanks to be' folded, a die carrier having means for llowering it toward said support and raising ldraw away from both ends thereof.

50. In va machinev for folding collar blanks and the like, a support for the blanks to be folded, a die carrier having means for lowering it toward said support and raising it, mechanism for shifting said carrier in either of two directions horlzontally from a nor- 'mal or` folding position, a plurality of die sections carried on said carrier and so fitted thereto as to move toward and from each other, mechanlsm for shlftlng the carrier from a normal or -folding position in either of two directions and an automatic device comprising a fixed V-shaped cam and a pin, which, when the carrier shifts, simultaneously causes said sections to move toward each other,whereby whenever the die shifts away from a side of the blank its sections always Ydraw away from both ends, thereof.

51. In a machine for folding collar blanks and the like, a support for the blanks to be folded,.a die carrier having mea'nsffor lowering it toward said support and raising it,

mechanism for shifting said carrier in either of two directions horizontally. from a normal or folding position, a plurality of die sections carried on said carrier and so fitted thereto as to move toward and from each other, mechanism for shifting the carrier fronlra normalmor folding position in either v @muy l always draw raway and infolders having mechanism for causm of two directions andy for simultaneously moving said sections toward each other,

whereby whenever the die shifts away from a side of the blank its sections always draw away from both ends thereof, and infolders having mechanism for causing them to move inward and outward and when in outward position to move upward and downward, the said blank support comprising a raised blank receiving pad which permits the infolders to move downward below the path of the die when in outward position.

52. In a machine for folding collar blanks and the like, a support for the blanks to be folded, a die carrier having means for lowering it toward said support and raising it, mechanismfor shifting said carrier in either of two directions horizontally from a normal or folding position, a plurality of die sections carried on said carrier and so fitted thereto as 4to move .toward and from each other, mechanism for shifting the carrier from a normal or folding position in either of two directions and an automatic device comprising a fixed V-shaped c am and a pin,

'which, when the carrier shifts, simultaneously causes said sections to move toward each other, whereby whenever the die shifts away from a side of the blank itssections from both ends thereof,

them to move inward and outward an when in outward position to move upward and downward, the said blank support comf prising a raised blank receiving pad which permits the infolders to move downward below the path of the die when in outward position. y

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification, in the presenceof two subscribing witnesses.

' GEORGE REECE. Witnesses:

GEO. H. MAXWELL, GEo. W. GREGORY.

vSigned and sealed` this 3d day of January, pD., 1911-.

E. .13; MOORE,

Commissioner of Patents.

yIt is hereby certified that in Letters Patent No. 972,916, granted October 18, 1910,

' upon the applicatiomof George Reece., of Wollaston,iMassachusttsj for an improvement in l Collar and Cuff Folding Machines, errors appear in the printed specification requiring correction as follows: Page 2, lines 28-l29, the word' oppositively should read oppositely; page line 95, the word grinding should read gm'difng;

page 8, lines 17 and 37, the words plate or should stricken out; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with vthese corrections therenthat the same 

